There were conflicting reports on the number and extent of injuries when Flight 345, a Boeing 737-700 made in 1999, landed at 5:40 p.m. ET.

Southwest said in a statement that five passengers and three flight attendants had reported injuries, which were not specified.

At a news briefing about 8:30 p.m., the Port Authority, which operates the airport, said 10 people were treated at the scene and six were hospitalized.

WABC-TV reported that six people complaining of back and neck pain were transported to hospitals and that four others suffered anxiety attacks.

Citing the Port Authority, WNBC-TV said earlier that two passengers suffered minor bumps and bruises, and four others had anxiety attacks.

All passengers were evacuated on emergency chutes.

Southwest said the plane carried a total of 150 passengers and crew, but it did not provide a breakdown. WABC said there were 145 passengers and five crewmembers.

As the jet approached the runway, the front landing gear appeared "out of shape, like it wasn't supposed to land that way," Melina Andujar told WNBC. She added that the front wheel "didn't come out, and it landed on its nose and it started skidding," sending up sparks.

Richard Strauss, president of Strauss Media Strategies, who was on another flight, told CBS New York: "That nose gear is completely off the plane and the nose is sitting on the ground."